About the Human Rights Commission

Valuing Diversity & Promoting Equality Since 1962

Our staff at the Human Rights Commission are here to assist the residents of Columbus, Indiana facing discrimination. The office also provides technical assistance to Columbus residents who need assistance with state and/or federal claims. The Commission’s mission is, “[t]o lead Columbus in building and maintaining an inclusive community by enforcing the Human Rights Ordinance; educating the public; challenging attitudes and systems that create barriers to equality; and EMPOWERING community members to advances this mission.”

The Human Rights Ordinance states that it is the public policy of the city of Columbus to provide all of its citizens equal opportunity and that it is unlawful to discriminate in the areas of employment, housing, education, public accomodations, or credit on the basis of:

Race

Religion

Color

Sex

Disability

National Origin or Ancestry

Familial status ( in housing)

Age*

Sexual Orientation*

Gender Identity*

Through its Rules and Regulations sections II,III, and IV, the Human Rights Commission prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, education, public accomodation or credit. Age, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity are processed through the Commission's Voluntary Mediation Program.

To see what the Human Rights Commission has been doing this year, check out our 2012 Annual Dinner slideshow or check out the first issue of our newsletter called "Empowering Columbus."